entranceway | The Sixth Gambit

[As daytime is turning to night, the network is taken over by a single feed. It can't be turned away from using the various network settings--it can't even be turned off.

The image is of Red Queen, who stands on the main walkway that leads from the front door of the Mansion into the gardens. Her Vorpal shield is at her side, which isn't all that strange considering she watches it like a hawk. What's a bit out of place is the armor she's wearing. For those who are more religiously minded, she might cut a somewhat familiar figure.

She lifts her shield a out of the snow at her feet and steps aside, gesturing with her free arm at the hole in the walk behind her.

Lifting her chin, she addresses the network she's hijacked, but her voice seems to come from everywhere--the speakers, the vents, the next room over, maybe even inside your head, if you're of the type who's prone to hearing that type of thing.]

The time has come [the Red Queen says] to take action! The Vorpal sword is lost and the other side of this land is nearly so.

[She takes several quick steps toward the Rabbit Hole.]

Your assistance is required, those of you willing to give it. The Jabberwock, eyes of flame and catching claws, is ripping Wonderland apart at her seams. The damage will soon reach to you, Real creatures, and those dear to you here.

[She hikes her skirt with one hand.]

The time for uffish thought is through. Follow me through this Rabbit Hole and we will slay the beast, for once and for all!

[And there there she goes, hopping down into the hole in a blur of red skirt and hair, and she's gone.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[On Mirror Side, the Queen of Hearts waits. She is in armor as well, though it appears to be more fashionable than practical. She carries no weapon, since there is no weapon that will make a difference. It would be a disgrace to carry a false sword.

Her arms are crossed in front of her defensively. She seems to be expecting her sister to show, and when she does she bristles.]

Are you going to gloat? Because if so, you might as well get it out of the way now.

[She keeps it buried under anger, but the Queen of Hearts is positively mortified that the sword was not HER Sword.]

[The Red Queen lands gracefully, balancing with her shield on one arm.]

Gloating is a waste of time, my dear. I am here to fight and to fight only.

[She frowns at that. Somehow, "my dear" sounds suspiciously like "I told you so" though perhaps she is imagining that.]

And not to fight against me? What a rare occasion.

[However, in an equally rare move...the Queen of Hearts does not antagonize further. In such a dire situation, there is little else to do and for each moment they waste fighting each other the Jabberwock grows stronger, eating itself a new arsenal of ability and weaponry.]

...What will we do without the Sword then? Is there a plan? Does one exist as of yet?

[Strategy is the Red Queen's strength, and she's been thinking about this for some time, the reason for her lengthy silences.]

We will send it back to where it came from. [She lifts her arm, adjusting her shield.] You will lure it to the Core and I will make sure it gets there.

The Core? Are you completely mad?!

[The Queen of Hearts stares, horrified by the suggestion of it. Though, as it sinks in, her gaze goes from judgmental to thoughtful particularly fast.]

Though, I suppose we must be somewhat mad, if we're ever going to stop the Jabberwock. In fact, I'm certain madness is absolutely essential.

That was never in question.

[It is, after all, a requisite part of being a resident of any Wonderland.]

Without the sword, we can only defend. Fortunately, we have the ultimate defense, one so powerful, we shall use it as an offense.

[And when it's over, they can deal with the Duchess and get the sword back.]

[So be it. They will fight madness with madness of their own. There is no question of whether or not this shall be their plan - it is the only plan, a least for now.]

Of course. It is offensively defensive, which makes it the perfect weapon for you. But, I suppose we have no other options at this point. Offensive defense is better than no offense at all.

[Though really, she's still furious she has to depend on her sister to do something she's done countless times on her own. One thing is silently agreed upon though - the Duchess will certainly be dealt with.]

It is not the only offensive thing I am dealing with at the moment.

[The Red Queen strides past the Queen of Hearts.]

I think it best that we split up. You will confront the beast--

[If she says "lure" or "bait" she knows she will get a petulant response and she wants to act quickly just now.]

--And once you have it where we want it, I will shove it in.

[The Queen of Hearts frowns as the plan starts to come together in her mind.]

And you're implying I am the offensive one? You're essentially using me as bait! How do I know you won't let the Jabberwock eat me so you can take all of the glory for yourself?

[Without any weapons of her own, the Queen of Hearts is little more than meat to a beast like the Jabberwocky, and her sister's emphasis on herself is not inspiring confidence either.]

[The Red Queen makes a point of not saying that she wouldn't do that because it's something the Queen of Hearts would do.]

You are integral to the success of this plan and to the continued functioning of this Mansion. To let the Jabberwock devour you would be pure folly and would only make the beast more powerful.

[The Queen of Hearts is still wary...but, she does like being essential. In fact, it seems through this explanation she is the most essential of the two, and so she is able to quell her rage just slightly.]

...I see. Well! I suppose I could go along with this plan then. You're fortunate to have such an agreeable sister as me!

[Because as everyone knows, the world revolves around the Queen of Hearts (according to the Queen of Hearts, naturally).]

Yes. Quite fortunate.

[The dryness of her voice should indicate her feelings about that comment.]

Come. Let is prepare.

The Sixth Gambit

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